If you are considering planting something in front of your boxwoods, there are many options. From edible to ornamental, there are numerous plants you can choose from.
Edible plants
Edible plants in front of boxwoods can be an eye-catching addition to your yard. They can provide a source of fresh, nutritious food for your family and add some much-needed color to your landscape.
The key to an edible landscape is selecting the right plants. It’s also important to consider your climate. For example, lettuce can be damaged by hot summer sun. If you live in a warmer climate, you might want to choose slow-growing varieties instead.
Another great way to add edible landscaping to your yard is by replacing shrubs with perennials. Roses, hydrangeas and liriope are all good candidates for this type of landscaping. You might also want to look into a trellis or arbor to keep your plantings visually interesting.
There are several edible flowering plants that can be planted in front of boxwoods. One is the cleome, a large flower with a dome-like shape and an orange center. This type of flower attracts hummingbirds.
Another type of edible plant is the nasturtium. Nasturtiums are a great way to thwart pests that might attack other edibles. Their foliage can also serve as screening.
Edible flowers are a fun and inexpensive way to add some color to your garden. A few varieties can include sunflowers, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and calendula. These flowers come in colors that range from pink to purple.
A few other edible plants that can be grown in front of boxwoods include periwinkles and rosemary. Periwinkles are great for taller shrubs because they only need partial sunlight. And rosemary makes an excellent companion plant.
Lastly, you might consider using a motion-activated sprinkler. This will help keep animals from attacking your garden.
An edible landscape can also reduce your grocery bill. Fresh vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. And they can be harvested when they’re ready. Depending on your climate, some crops will be ready to harvest in as little as a month.
Adding edibles can be a fun and rewarding experience. Start small and work your way up. As you get more comfortable with your newfound skill, you can expand your garden. In the meantime, consider adding a few nasturtiums to your garden to boost the look of your yard.
Ornamental grasses
Ornamental grasses are a great way to add height and texture to your landscape. They are also low maintenance and can be used in containers or as a ground cover. Adding ornamental grasses can help you create a lush, beautiful fall garden that is full of color and interest.
To plant an ornamental grass, you will need to choose a suitable spot in your yard. Depending on the variety, the grass will perform best in full sun or a partially shaded location. Also, make sure that the location has adequate drainage holes.
When planting, be sure to double dig the soil to ensure that the roots will grow straight down. You should also apply all-purpose fertilizer to the seedlings. These plants require consistent moisture and morning sunlight.
A variety of grasses, including liriope, are well suited for small landscapes. Liriope grows to 2 to 3 feet tall and features bright green leaves with lavender flower spikes. It is an ideal groundcover for spring bulbs.
If you have a warm climate, rosemary can be a good choice. This flowering shrub is known for its medicinal qualities. In addition, it can help boost your immune system. Rosemary is also a good cooking plant.
Another type of ornamental grass that is a great choice for small landscapes is hakonechloa. Known as Japanese forest grass, this species grows in a variety of soils. The silvery plumes of this plant are 2 to 5 feet wide and add a glittering element to your site.
Many ornamental grasses are easy to propagate. They can be grown from seeds or by root division. All-purpose fertilizer should be applied once in the spring.
When you are choosing an ornamental grass, make sure to choose a variety that is appropriate for the climate and conditions of your yard. You can also choose from several varieties that do not require any fertilizer.
Some of the ornamental grasses that are popular for landscaping include papyrus, sedges, rushes, and bamboos. There are many types and colors of these plants to choose from.
When it comes to your front yard, smart hardscaping is key. Planting ornamental grasses and boxwoods in your garden is an easy way to create a stylish, yet low-maintenance, design.
Cleomes
When you are choosing plants for planting in front of boxwoods, don’t overlook the cleome. This annual is a hearty plant that will grow quickly and easily. It is also drought-tolerant. And it works well in borders and between other plants.
The cleome is a great companion to lettuce. But it also looks great planted with zinnias or echinacea. They are not only hearty, but they also bloom for an extended period.
The flowers of the cleome are four to eight inches long. These long stamens give the plant a spidery appearance. Their strong fragrance attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
Cleomes are easy to grow from seed. You can start them in spring or early fall. After they are growing, you can prune back the stems to allow more branching and growth. In addition, you can pinch off the tops to prevent crowding.
Cleomes are resistant to many common plant diseases, and they are a good choice for gardeners who have allergies. However, they can get leggy if they are not properly watered. They also require a lot of space, so they should be planted at least 18 inches apart.
Once your cleome plants reach about six inches, you can transplant them outdoors. If you choose to plant them in containers, make sure the pots are large enough to hold the seedlings. Also, keep the soil evenly moist.
The cleome can grow up to 5 feet tall. Some dwarf varieties are available, but they are best suited for smaller areas. The taller types of cleomes may require staking.
In addition, cleomes require a sunny location. They also prefer moist soil. Otherwise, they can develop mildew or rust. Fortunately, the plant is not prone to any serious pest problems.
Lastly, be sure to deadhead your cleomes. This will help prevent self-seeding. Ideally, you should plant shorter annuals in front of the cleome stalks to make the most impact.
Whether you are planting in front of a boxwood or in a garden, the cleome is a hearty and easy-to-grow plant that will add some interest to your landscape. Plus, the plants are deer-resistant and easy to care for.
Lady’s mantle
If you are looking for an unusual flowering perennial to plant in front of a boxwood shrub, look no further than Lady’s Mantle. This is a herbaceous, semi-evergreen plant that produces tiny chartreuse flowers on long stems.
It grows in a variety of shapes. Most commonly it is a spherical or cubical plant, but it can also grow in dwarf forms. Plant it in a rock garden, in a container, or as a ground cover.
Lady’s Mantle is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full or part shade. The foliage has a scalloped, fuzzy look.
It grows up to 10 inches tall and wide. You can space it between 18 to 24 inches apart. To ensure that it grows well, water regularly.
Its fine-textured leaves are great for cutting. They provide a restful and elegant look. These leaves also hold morning dew.
The blooms are bright and chartreuse. The plant also comes in variegated varieties like ‘All Gold’. In the fall, it produces interesting seed pods.
This plant is an excellent companion for other plants. Several herbs and hostas work well with it. Other companions include sage, rosemary, and germander. For a classic look, pair it with Hydrangea cultivars.
In addition to being a lovely flowering companion, Lady’s Mantle is also an attractive ground cover. In the summer, it has a dense covering of foliage. That makes it an ideal companion for planting in areas where it can spill over the edges of the soil.
As a ground cover, it is very easy to maintain. Lady’s Mantle can be planted in a flower bed, or as a ground cover in a perennial border. With its delicate and unique foliage, it pairs beautifully with other plants, especially velvety hostas.
Its fine-textured leaves and small chartreuse flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners. The leaves can be dried for use in floral arrangements.
In a boxwood hedge, it provides a unique color contrast. While it is a low-maintenance plant, it is very adaptable to dappled or full sun, as well as dry or moist locations.
Depending on the location and climate, the Lady’s Mantle is not particularly picky about soil pH. In fact, it is very hardy.